Detarboraceae

Detarboraceae is a family of flowering plants that belongs to the order Malpighiales. The family is native to the Americas, with the majority of its species found in the tropical regions of Central and South America. The family is characterized by its small to medium-sized trees and shrubs, which typically have simple, alternate leaves and showy, often brightly colored flowers. The flowers are usually actinomorphic, meaning they have radial symmetry, and are typically zygomorphic, with a distinct upper and lower lip. The family is known for its diverse range of floral structures and colors, which have made it a popular subject of study among botanists and horticulturists.

The family Detarboraceae is named after the genus Detarborus, which is the type genus of the family. The genus Detarborus is characterized by its small, white flowers with four petals and four stamens. The family is further divided into several genera, including Detarborus, which is the largest genus in the family, and several smaller genera such as Peltophorum and Strychnos. The family is known for its economic importance, with several species being used for their timber, medicinal properties, and ornamental value.

The taxonomy of the family Detarboraceae has been a subject of debate among botanists, with some researchers arguing for its inclusion in the family Malpighiaceae, while others maintain its separate status. However, recent molecular phylogenetic studies have provided strong evidence for the monophyly of the family Detarboraceae, supporting its recognition as a distinct family within the order Malpighiales. The family is currently recognized as a distinct family in most modern classifications of flowering plants.